Many residences in Kashgar's old city are built on the slopes. [Photo by Gui Peng/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The ancient city of Kashgar was a major hub along the ancient Silk Road, and a pivotal trading post where Oriental civilization met Western culture. Known today in Chinese as Kashi, the city, in southwestern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, has a recorded history of over 2,000 years.

The old city in modern Kashgar is well preserved and discreetly renovated for safer living conditions. Its old city is called "the last and living old city in China's vast West" by foreigners.